Blood test developed for early detection of pancreatic cancer
Quick Look
- Scientists have created the PANXEON test, which detects stage 1-2 pancreatic cancer in 87% of cases, analyzing microRNAs, exosomes and CA19-9 using AI.
- The study on 1,800 people was published in Nature Medicine.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Pancreatic cancer is often discovered in advanced stages, when treatment is less effective. Early diagnosis significantly improves the prognosis for patients.
Scientists have developed a blood test that could help detect pancreatic cancer in its early stages. The new PANXEON test detected stage 1-2 tumors 87 percent of the time and had a low false positive rate. The study was published in the journal Nature Medicine.
Pancreatic cancer is often found in advanced stages, when the disease is more difficult to treat. The new test could help detect the disease earlier in people at increased risk, such as those with a family history or chronic pancreatitis.
PANXEON analyzes several indicators in the blood at once: microRNA, particles secreted by cells (exosomes), and the CA19-9 protein. Artificial intelligence then combines this data and estimates the likelihood of a tumor.
Almost 1,800 people from different countries participated in the study. The test correctly identified early cancer 87 percent of the time. It also detected more than 64 percent of cases of severe dysplasia, a precancerous condition that can develop into a tumor.
Scientists note that the analysis does not yet replace standard diagnostics, but in the future it may help doctors more quickly refer patients at risk for additional examination and find cancer before symptoms appear.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
The PANXEON test will be used to screen people at risk over the next 2-3 years following further clinical trials.
Likely · Within years
Open Questions
- When will the PANXEON test be available for widespread use in clinical practice?
- What is the cost of the test and will it be available to people at risk in different countries?
- Is additional confirmatory testing necessary after a positive PANXEON test result?
